By Ellen Cans
Winter would not be complete without ice skating. The Big Apple is the place to be, with more outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in place than ever before. A broad range of choices include the iconic Rockefeller Center, JFK Airport, and a makeshift patch of ice in the midst of Brooklyn’s old factory buildings.
Here is a list of some of the best rinks for family ice skating fun this summer, as per a recent article in the NY Post.
American Dream mall rink
In October, the highly-anticipated New Jersey mall opened up an indoor rink to go alongside the Nickelodeon theme park and ski slope. This is an oversized rink with NHL-size sheet of ice is massive (17,000 square feet), and American Dream’s glass-ceilinged, giving New Yorkers and tourists the extra space they crave. Admission is $19 for adults and $10 for kids; skate rental is $6.
TWA Runway Rink
Designed to be a blast from the past, this indoor rink is situated between Terminal 5 and the newly revamped TWA Hotel. The smallish 2,500 square feet rink emits vintage vibes with its golden oldies playlist, kaleidoscope lighting of colors, and a nightly ice show featuring skaters in old-school flight attendant and pilot costumes. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids; skate rental is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.
Industry City Ice Rink
Brooklyn would not be left behind, so it opened its own outdoor rink. Opened in November, a concrete courtyard between old Brooklyn warehouse buildings on 35th St. in Sunset Park has been revamped into a small 2,100-square-foot rectangular rink complete with festive lights snowmen, Santa, elves and human-size gingerbread house for purchasing refreshments. On the weekends there are also A cappella concerts and oldies music-themed skating. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids. Skate rental is $9.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Of course, the list could not be complete without the legendary ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, which was first established more than 80 years ago in 1936. Roughly 150,000 visitors lace up their skates here annually. Fifth Avenue’s landmark wonderland includes the famous 77-foot-tall Christmas tree. Admission is $25 for adults and $17 for kids, and skate rental is $18.
Bryant Park’s17,000 square foot rink between 40th and 42nd Street is also an old popular favorite. Admissions is free but bring your own skates or go before noon for better rental rates because skate rental fees can be up to $33 on peak days and hours.
If you are looking for a good view, consider this FiDi rink at 230 Vesey St. and North End Avenue. The windy experience is usually worth the beautiful views of the Hudson River. Admission is $15, and its $5 for skate rentals.
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park also offers two arenas, one with a starry-patterned roof and one open air. Admission is $7.50 for weekdays, $11 for weekends, and skate rentals cost $8.
South Street Seaport’s Pier 17’s rooftop rink, opened last winter is also a good option. Admission is $15 on weekdays, $18 Friday to Sunday and $27 on “peak days.” Skate rental is $8.
Central Park’s largest of two outdoor rinks is located on 59th Street and Sixth Avenue. Admission is $12 on weekdays, $19 on weekends; skate rental costs $10.
A great option for the budget conscious is the Rink on Riverside Drive and West 145th Street. Harlem’s covered rink usually has long lines and wait times, but admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids, and skate rental is $6.
